»
Main Forums
»
English Workshop
»
Let's address this, shall we?
| English Workshop |
|
Let's address this, shall we? |
|
|
Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration 
|
What I'd like to do here is to address the issue of "Formal" English, -vs- "Informal" English. For example, is it correct when writing, to use contractions? According to the rules of formal English, no it isn't. (Notice the contraction!) However, I am of the opinion that too much formality becomes... "stuffy," for lack of a better word, after a while. So what is the answer to that? Should one use formal English sometimes and informal others? Can it be done in the same piece, or does that lead to a confusing language? Should things be written in strictly, (LOL,) informal English? Is formal English required for poetry, but not for prose? Vice versa? Should someone be aware of the "rules" of formal English before writing something in informal English? What is the value in knowing the rules if you're not going to use them? Just a few questions here, maybe we can explore the answers here and find some valuable input we weren't aware of before! C'mon everyone... join in! |
||
| © Copyright 2000 C.G. Ward - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
My computer checks for contractions and suggests that I don't use them for business correspondence. I do not think it matters.. sometimes in poetry, a contraction sounds better.  |
||
|
Brad Member Ascendant
since 1999-08-20
Posts 5705Jejudo, South Korea |
Actually, I think you have two questions here. What is formal writing and when is it ever used (except in high school)? In academics, you use academic styles (and follow the style sheet of the particular professor). In law, you use law speak. In newpapers, newspaper speak. In literature? In politics -- what the hell is it that they use? When do you actually use this thing that you learned in high school? I'm just curious if we should stop teaching this distinction and start teaching that you should use the word that creates the proper effect you want. Brad PS I corrected my spelling typo this time. I just hope I got them all.  [This message has been edited by Brad (edited 02-27-2000).] |
||
|
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I'd like to feel I've the right to incorporate contractions that'll enhance my work whene'er I've the inclination to use 'em...  |
||
|
Skyfyre Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906Sitting in Michael's Lap |
I have to go with Brad on this one -- I haven't written even one formal essay outside the confines of an "academic environment," which is to say that none of them pertained to "real life." Formal English is, in my opinion, an exercise utilized by the school system in an attempt to render the student's colloquial English somewhat less -- well -- colloquial. In answer to your question, Christopher, I do not believe that "formal" English, with rules such as no contractions, has much place in literature of ANY sort. The primary purpose of literature, whether it be poetry or prose, is to draw the reader in -- which formal English most certainly does not. If a story, poem, etc. is to be believable, it should be written in language appropriate to the subject matter -- in which case the only area which would call for formal English would be didactic (teaching) literature. Thus, so far as we at Passions are concerned, we have no need of such -- I at least would like to think that I write for the enjoyment of the reader, not to give him flashbacks of pre-exam jitters. I would like to clarify, however, that some parts or forms of literature demand a bit more strict use of language in order to be effective. For example, poems and/or prose written in archaic language should adhere completely to the rules of that genre -- which is not to say that contractions cannot be used, only that a different set of contractions will be used (e'er, e'en, etc.). Additionally, when speaking of prose, the narrative passages of the story are more effective if they are a bit more on the formal side, with a few exceptions. For example, a first-person perspective or internal monologue narrative would be subject to the internal colloquialisms of the narrating character, while a third person narrative would not and would thus be distinguished from the dialogue by its more formal use of language. Whew! Talk about a run-on sentence! When undertaking a piece in which you have a question about language use or formality, my best advice would be: read someone who already did it and try to discover what made it work for them. Writing a free-verse or structured verse poem? Find one that is similar that you read and enjoyed and examine the author's use of formal language (or lack thereof, as the case may be). Writing a novel? Read one by your favorite novelist and see how the language of the narrative is distinguished from that of the the dialogue. Try to read stories written from several types of perspectives to help decide which will be the best for YOUR particular piece. Most of all, just have fun. When the enjoyment goes out of the writing, you can be assured that it will absent itself from the reading soon after. Don't get so caught up in the following of rules that you end up writing a textbook instead of a work of art. Always remember that the most important facet of your work is YOU: what you have to say and how you want the reader to think or feel when they read it. Leave the rest in the hands of the editors.  --Kess the Indomitable  Full fathom five thy father lies, Of his bones are coral made, Those are pearls that were his eyes; Nothing of him that doth fade But doth suffer a sea-change Into something rich and strange... --William Shakespeare, from The Tempest |
||
|
Not A Poet Member Elite
since 1999-11-03
Posts 3885Oklahoma, USA |
Kess, you truly are indomitable as well as knowledgable. I find that I am forced to agree with everything you said. And, I'm glad you said it for now I feel justified in using contractions in sonnets. Thanks. Pete What terms shall I find sufficiently simple in their sublimity -- sufficiently sublime in their simplicity -- for the mere enunciation of my theme? Edgar Allan Poe |
||
|
Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Just a tag on - as Kess has said it all really! Language is a product of our society - as most things are - and as we evolve it evolves with us... So, like said above - it does depend on the socially accepted context a person is writing for. As most of us here are concerned with writing for the purpose of entertaining/reaching an audience, and said audience is accustomed and even comfortable with contractions - then I say use them. Most of us know the appropriate rules to adhere to when writing business letters etc... (And look - I avoided all use of contractions...hehe) K 'Writing sharpens life; life enriches writing' Sylvia Plath |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
